What is Trichotillomania?

Posted: Friday, September 8th, 2017

Trichotillomania also called the “hair pulling disorder” and is a long-term chronic disorder. The cause of trichotillomania is unclear but it is thought to be the result of combined genetic and environmental factors. Without treatment, symptoms can vary in severity over time, over a span of weeks, months or, in rarer cases, years at a time.  With trichotillomania, hair pulling can be either focused or automatic. In focused cases, people pull their hair intentionally in order to relieve stress or tension. By contrast, in automatic cases, people pull their hair without realizing they are doing it. However, these cases are not autonomous; the same person may engage in both focused and automatic hair pulling depending on the situation or their mood.

What are the Signs of Trichotillomania?

• Repeatedly pulling your hair out, usually from your scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes
• An increasing sense of tension before pulling or when you try to resist pulling
• A sense of pleasure or relief after the hair is pulled
• Noticeable hair loss, such as shortened hair or thinned or bald areas on the scalp or other areas of your body, including sparse or missing eyelashes or eyebrows
• Biting, chewing/eating or playing with pulled-out hair
• Repeatedly trying to stop pulling out your hair or trying to do it less often without success

People with trichotillomania can experience low self-esteem and even depression or anxiety because of their condition. They can suffer from scarring or permanent hair loss in areas where hair is pulled. If you cannot stop pulling your hair, talk to your doctor because trichotillomania is a chronic disorder that is unlikely to get better without treatment.

What are My Hair Replacement Options?

If you are a woman experiencing hair loss due to trichotillomania, we can help you feel comfortable and confident. We specialize in the fitting and selection of quality wigs and hair pieces for women suffering from trichotillomania. We offer free private consultations so that you can come in to learn about your hair replacement options, including luxurious real hair wigs, hairpieces and toppers.  Contact us today for a consultation at thesalonat10newbury@gmail.com.